Switching packaging suppliers can feel like a big risk. You’ve built processes around your current vendor. And the thought of onboarding a new company is enough to keep businesses right where they are. That also means they put up with underperformance far longer than they should.

But staying with the wrong supplier has a cost, too. It shows up in delays, rework, and frustration instead of one big disruption. If you’re reading this article, odds are you’re debating making a switch. Here are the signs that you should look at your options:

Frequent Stockouts or Missed Deliveries

Do you often experience emergency orders or rushed freight? This is a common sign of a supplier who can’t keep up with demand. Of course, one late shipment doesn’t necessitate a panic packaging supplier change. But if there’s a pattern, it means something is broken.

A common cause of this issue is poor visibility on the vendor’s side. If they don’t have a clear view of your usage, you end up watching inventory and chasing them when it runs low.

At Jamestown Container, we help you avoid emergency stockouts with our electronic vendor-managed inventory (eVMI) system. Just scan packaging as you use it, and we’ll replenish it as needed. Our system even adjusts for variances in demand, recognizing usage swings and demand needs immediately.

This program has helped countless clients keep their organization up and running. We even partner with customers like TitanX to deliver pre-assembled packaging up to five times daily.

Inconsistent Quality or Specs

Your boxes should be the same, no matter which batch. You shouldn’t be guessing as to whether your boxes will live up to your strength or print requirements. Because when your packaging is unpredictable, your brand presentation becomes unpredictable, too. A good supplier documents your specifications and holds every run to them.

Poor or Slow Communication

You shouldn’t have to work to get a straight answer. If response times are long or no one seems to own your account, that’s a red flag. Sometimes it means your account is low-priority. Sometimes the business is understaffed, or you simply don’t have a dedicated contact. Whatever the reason, it can make small problems turn into big, expensive disasters.

Pricing That Doesn’t Match Value

Are costs creeping up with no clear explanation? Is there no room for negotiation as volume grows? This can happen when the company has no incentive to earn your business. If you’ve been with the company for multiple years, they may assume you won’t leave.

At Jamestown Container, we always strive to make our customers happy, even when they’ve been with us for decades. Visit our case studies to learn more about our long-term partnerships:

They Can’t Scale With You

Some packaging suppliers can’t handle growth, new products, or seasonal peaks. Often, vendor capacity or capability ceilings get in the way of customer satisfaction. The Jamestown Container team has found a solution to this problem. In addition to our multiple manufacturing plants that can handle variance in demand, we also have an eVMI system.

The eVMI solution replenishes your packaging materials automatically. No more worrying about emergency orders, delayed deliveries, or damaged and outdated stock. The system automatically adjusts for variances in demand, recognizing usage swings immediately. Just scan inventory as you use it, and we’ll understand:

  • Your packaging inventory requirements
  • Expected usage
  • Minimum and maximum inventory on hand
  • Lead time
  • Buffer stock

Even in the most unpredictable industries, our vendor-managed inventory solutions have helped customers become more efficient and productive with their day-to-day operations. Learn more here.

Trust Jamestown Container for Your Packaging Needs

For over 70 years, Jamestown Container has helped businesses get the right packaging for their needs. We offer just about everything your business requires for its packaging, and have professional affiliations that allow us to serve customers around the globe. Additionally, we maintain industry certifications — including an ISO 9001 accreditation — to hold us to the highest standards in manufacturing excellence.

In addition to boxes, POP displays, and other packaging necessities, we also offer contract packaging and eVMI services for our customers. With our contract packaging services, you can rely on us to assemble packaging, pack products, and coordinate freight. But, if you’d rather package in-house, our eVMI services are right for you.

If you’re ready to create the perfect packaging for your brand, reach out to us today.